Ohio Issues Statewide Quarantine to Combat Spotted Lanternfly Threat

The invasive pest poses a growing risk to the state's agricultural industry and economy.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued a statewide quarantine to combat the increasing threat of the spotted lanternfly. The quarantine restricts the movement of trees and plants out of the state without proper inspection and certification, as the invasive insect has been spreading rapidly across Ohio since first being detected in 2020.

Why it matters

The spotted lanternfly is a major threat to Ohio's agricultural industries, particularly the state's $1 billion wine industry, which employs thousands. The insects feed on plants and trees, causing them to weaken and become more susceptible to disease, which could have devastating impacts if left unchecked.

The details

Under the new statewide quarantine, Ohio nurseries and plant stores are prohibited from moving trees and other plants out of state without a permit, inspection certificate, or compliance agreement. Shipments to non-regulated areas must be inspected and certified as free of spotted lanternflies before transport.

  • The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued the statewide quarantine on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania, and was first reported in Ohio in 2020.

The players

Ohio Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for issuing the statewide quarantine to combat the growing spotted lanternfly threat in Ohio.

Brian Baldridge

The Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, who stated the agency is committed to protecting the state's plant life and working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the impact of the invasive spotted lanternfly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio's agricultural industry. ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.”

— Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture (news5cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will be working closely with nurseries, wineries, and other agricultural businesses to enforce the new statewide quarantine and prevent the further spread of the spotted lanternfly.

The takeaway

This statewide quarantine is a critical step in Ohio's efforts to protect its vital agricultural industries, particularly the state's thriving wine sector, from the destructive impacts of the invasive spotted lanternfly. By restricting the movement of potentially infested plants and trees, Ohio aims to curb the pest's spread and mitigate the long-term damage it can inflict on the state's economy.